Pore blocking mechanisms of centipede toxin SsTx-4 on the inwardly rectifying potassium channels.

The peptide toxin SsTx-4 derived from venom of centipede Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans was characterized as a potent antagonist of the inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channel subtypes Kir1.1, Kir4.1, and Kir6.

Discovery of anticancer peptides from natural and generated sequences using deep learning.

Anticancer peptides (ACPs) demonstrate significant potential in clinical cancer treatment due to their ability to selectively target and kill cancer cells. In recent years, numerous artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms have been developed. However, many predictive methods lack sufficient wet lab validation, thereby constraining the progress of models and impeding the discovery of novel ACPs.

mRNA-miRNA analyses reveal the involvement of CsbHLH1 and miR1446a in the regulation of caffeine biosynthesis in .

Caffeine, a primary flavor component in tea, has been the subject of intense research. With the goal of shedding light on the complex regulatory processes governing caffeine biosynthesis in tea plants, liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS), transcriptomics, and small RNA analyses were employed on diverse tea cultivars such as 'Jianghua Kucha' [including 'Xianghong 3' (XH3H) and 'Kucha 3' (KC3H)], 'Fuding Dabaicha' (FDDB), 'Yaoshan Xiulv' (YSXL), and 'Bixiangzao' (BXZ). The results showed that the caffeine level in 'Jianghua Kucha' was significantly higher than that in other tea plant cultivars.

Jianghua Kucha black tea containing theacrine attenuates depression-like behavior in CUMS mice by regulating gut microbiota-brain neurochemicals and cytokines.

Theacrine and theaflavins are known for their potential to mitigate depression and cognitive impairment. Jianghua Kucha black tea (JH) contains both compounds, yet its antidepressant properties are seldom documented. This study evaluated the effects of JH on depression in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice and explored the underlying mechanisms through integrative analyses of gut microbiota and fecal metabolomics.

Black tea extracts enhance stress-induced sleep of Caenorhabditis elegans to resist UV damage.

Black tea is believed to strengthen the ability of the body to defend itself against external stimuli. Here, by examining Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) locomotor behavior over a short period after UV stress, we found that feeding black tea extract (BTE) caused worms to enter a superior stress-induced sleep (SIS) state, which potentially boosting organismal recovery.

Key Metabolites Influencing Astringency and Bitterness in Yinghong 9 Large-Leaf Dark Tea Before and After Pile-Fermentation.

Understanding the impacts of pile-fermentation on the taste quality of dark tea (DT) is crucial. Although the large-leaf DT, Yinghong 9 DT, was successfully developed, its taste quality was not systematically studied. This research aims to analyze how pile-fermentation affects taste.

Thermochemical reactions in tea drying shape the flavor of tea: A review.

Drying is the final and essential step in tea processing. It contributes a lot to the formation of tea flavor quality by a series of complicated and violent thermochemical reactions, such as degradation reaction, Maillard reaction, redox reaction, isomerization reaction, etc. However, the mechanism of specific thermochemical reaction is unclear.

Effect of inoculation with different Eurotium cristatum strains on the microbial communities and volatile organic compounds of Fu brick tea.

Eurotium cristatum is the primary fungus in Fu brick tea (FBT) and plays a crucial role in its special flavor. This study investigated the effect of inoculation with different E. cristatum strains (i.

Application of artificial intelligence in VSD prenatal diagnosis from fetal heart ultrasound images.

Background: Developing a combined artificial intelligence (AI) and ultrasound imaging to provide an accurate, objective, and efficient adjunctive diagnostic approach for fetal heart ventricular septal defects (VSD).

Methods: 1,451 fetal heart ultrasound images from 500 pregnant women were comprehensively analyzed between January 2016 and June 2022. The fetal heart region was manually labeled and the presence of VSD was discriminated by experts.

Synergy between pluripotent stem cell-derived macrophages and self-renewing macrophages: Envisioning a promising avenue for the modelling and cell therapy of infectious diseases.

As crucial phagocytes of the innate immune system, macrophages (Mϕs) protect mammalian hosts, maintain tissue homeostasis and influence disease pathogenesis. Nonetheless, Mϕs are susceptible to various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and parasites, which cause various infectious diseases, necessitating a deeper understanding of pathogen-Mϕ interactions and therapeutic insights. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have been efficiently differentiated into PSC-derived Mϕs (PSCdMϕs) resembling primary Mϕs, advancing the modelling and cell therapy of infectious diseases.

Strigolactones Regulate Secondary Metabolism and Nitrogen/Phosphate Signaling in Tea Plants via Transcriptional Reprogramming and Hormonal Interactions.

Strigolactones (SLs) are known to regulate plant architecture formation, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) responses, and secondary metabolism, but their effects in tea plants remain unclear. We demonstrated that the application of a bioactive SL analogue GR24 either to tea roots or leaves initially stimulated but later inhibited catechins, theanine, and caffeine biosynthesis. GR24 treatment also promoted the accumulation of flavonols and insoluble proanthocyanidins in a time- and dose-dependent manner.

CAP superfamily proteins in human: a new target for cancer therapy.

The CAP (Cysteine-rich secretory protein, Antigen 5, and Pathogenesis-related protein 1) superfamily proteins (CAP proteins) are found in all kingdoms of life. The cysteine-rich secreted proteins are prevalent in human organs and tissues and serve as critical signaling molecules within cells, regulating a wide range of biochemical processes in the human body. Due to their involvement in numerous biological processes, CAP proteins have recently attracted significant attention, particularly in the context of tumorigenesis and cancer therapy.

Cell-autonomous targeting of arabinogalactan by host immune factors inhibits mycobacterial growth.

Deeper understanding of the crosstalk between host cells and (Mtb) provides crucial guidelines for the rational design of novel intervention strategies against tuberculosis (TB). Mycobacteria possess a unique complex cell wall with arabinogalactan (AG) as a critical component. AG has been identified as a virulence factor of Mtb which is recognized by host galectin-9.

Preliminary exploration of the C-3 galloyl group and the B-5' hydroxyl group enhance the biological activity of catechins in alleviating obesity induced by high-fat diet in mice.

Catechins, among the most active components in tea, effectively alleviate obesity. Catechins are primarily classified into four types based on the presence or absence of the C-3 galloyl group and the B-5' hydroxyl group. However, the impact of conformation on the anti-obesity properties of catechins remains unclear.

Effect of genistein supplementation on microenvironment regulation of breast tumors in obese mice.

Obesity is an important risk factor for breast cancer in women before and after menopause. Adipocytes, key mediators in the tumor microenvironment, play a pivotal role in the relationship between obesity with cancer. However, the potential of dietary components in modulating this relationship remains underexplored.